Head of Design, Trainers
Job title: Head of Design, Trainers
Location: London, UK
Hours: 40 hours per week
Wage: £90,000 - £120,000 per annum
Work Pattern: Monday – Friday
Employer: J.Choo Limited
Duration: Permanent only
Date advert posted: 1 February 2019
Closing date: 1 March 2019
Key responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- being responsible for entire design process for both Women’s and Men’s Trainers according to the collection theme set by the Creative Director;
- managing the development of innovative and directional product lines – presenting and sketching ideas for review by the Creative Director;
- ensuring that product is relevant with market trends as well as business strategy; interpreting concepts and fashion trends as they relate to market demands and brand image;
- being responsible for full design and material spec proposals;
- researching global markets in order to identify new materials and techniques;
- bring innovative developments in materials and technology in the urban footwear category;
- partnering with Merchandising Department and the Product Development Team to fulfil and manage business requirements, collection development, timing and process;
- partnering with the other Design teams (Women’s, Men’s and Accessories) to achieve alignment in selected design detail and key themes per collection;
- providing insight regarding style of product during Edit Presentation;
- conducting spec review sessions and final fitting prior production;
- meeting independently with vendors and build strong external relationships with suppliers and vendors accordingly;
- having absolute understanding of Jimmy Choo Design and Merchandising calendar identifying conflicts with Product Development timings and the Design Calendar; and
- identifying opportunities for process improvement.
Criteria for selection
The candidate must possess the following attributes:
- possess a fashion / design degree or equivalent work experience ideally in an international organisation;
- have extensive relevant design experience in urban sport sector;
- have experience on collaboration projects with streetwear influencers;
- have relevant experience of working with a luxury urban sport label or reputable fashion brand with experience of trainer construction;
- have knowledge of material innovation;
- have relevant global factory and supplier experience;
- have experience with managing and coaching junior designers;
- be Urban Fashion, sports and “athleisure” orientated;
- be flexible in approach in terms of work and hours;
- have relevant industrial experience in Trainers sector especially “Designer Trainers”;
- have knowledge of collection development process;
- have relevant experience of leather goods, shoe materials and innovative technical materials relating to the urban sport sector;
- be able to understand a ‘collection line plan’;
- have a full understanding of trainer terminology;
- be a team player and be able to collaborate and take direction from the Creative Director;
- be able to communicate clearly with all levels;
- have a desire to drive and achieve goals;
- have in depth knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, colour ways, techniques, constructions, leather and trim;
- have the ability to set a creative tone and to inspire ideas/new concepts;
- have the ability to conceptually visualise and build a ‘family’ per design idea both to simplify and to elevate;
- have creativity and imagination;
- have expert technical skills and knowledge of factory capability and supplier bases;
- have flawless personal style and taste to represent the brand appropriately;
- have a strong knowledge of the urban fashion and lifestyle marketplace and able to identify and spot industry trends;
- be able to translate the Jimmy Choo aesthetic into appropriate product;
- have excellent communication and people skills with the ability to interact with all levels of resources – internal and external – and build relationships;
- have an excellent sense of style and colour;
- have excellent organisational, time management and presentation skills;
- have strong leadership skills;
- have the ability to prioritise and work independently;
- be willing to travel extensively; and
- be adaptable and responsive to dealing with new category requests
Contact:
Please apply online to this position. Applicants must provide their portfolios as well as their CVs as part of the application.
Date posted: 1 February 2019. Closing date: 1 March 2019.